New Delhi: Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom made a golden comeback to the hallowed ring, winning her fifth gold medal in the Asian Boxing Championship in Vietnam on November 8.
The 34-year-old comprehensively beat Hyang Mi Kim of Korea in the 48-kg category to show that she is still a force to reckon with.
“I am really happy with the way this championship has panned out,” Mary said, after her victory. “I would like to dedicate this victory to all those who have supported me even though the world had written me off. I would like to thank my coaching staff who worked hard with me over the last few months,” she added.
“A special word for the professional setup that BFI has put in place, ensuring the best facilities was given during the month-long camp and all the exposure trips for the team. Also, I am thankful to BFI President Ajay Singh especially for showing faith in me,” a teary-eyed Mary said.
“Mary Kom’s gold at the Asian Boxing Championship is a huge victory for India’s women power. At 34, this mother of 3 has shown that, with grit and determination, you can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds”, BFI President Ajay Singh said. “Mary Kom is a huge inspiration for all Indians and we are proud of her victory today”, he added.
Mary Kom got off to a brilliant start, launching a blistering attack right from the word go. She landed most of her punches which put her ahead in the opening round itself.
The Korean tried to stay in the fight, packing a few of her own. But Mary had clearly done better.
In the second round, Mary eased up a little, preferring to be a little cautious. She used her defensive abilities to the optimum and attacked only on the counter in this round.
This strategy also worked, taking her just one step away from the gold.
The Korean grew desperate in the final round and came out swinging, almost recklessly. But Mary was ready for that too. She used her reflexes well to slip in her jabs and hooks, while connecting her punches too. It was enough to put her on top of the podium.
Another Indian finalist Sonia Lather suffered heartbreak as she went down to China Yin Junhua in the 57 kg competition in a hard-fought battle to win her first Asian Championship silver medal.
Expressing his delight on the performance of the squad, Singh said, “I congratulate the entire Indian team for their performance in the championship. Of the 10 boxers who participated, 7 will return with medals. This is a testament to all the hard work that the boxers and coaches are putting in to ensure that India becomes a boxing power in the near future.”
It was overall a great campaign for the Indian contingent as seven out of the participating boxers will return home with medals including one gold, one silver and five bronze medals.
List of medalists:
Mary Kom (48 Kg)–Gold
Sonia Lather (57 kg)–Silver
Shiksha (54 kg)–Bronze
Priyanka Choudhary (60 kg)–Bronze
Sarita Devi (64 kg)–Bronze
Lovlina Borgohain (69 kg)–Bronze
Seema Poonia (+81 kg)–Bronze
